Noticed a few notifications popping up prompting you to download old Facebook live videos? It's all because the platform implemented a new video storage policy that went into effect this past February. Here’s what you need to know:
If you’ve recorded Facebook lives in the past, you will be getting (or have already received) an email or notification encouraging you to download your old live videos. If no action is taken, these videos will be deleted within 90 days. The clock starts ticking from the day you receive the email/notification, so watch your inbox!
If you’re currently an active live user, your lives will now be saved for a maximum of 30 days, after which Facebook will delete them. Facebook now also offers the ability to clip sections of your live video into a reel right after recording ends.
Here’s how to download one video, according to Meta:
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- “On a profile or on a Page on your device, find the Videos tab. On a Page, if you’re on the web, find the Live tab. You may need to click More to see the Live tab.
- Choose the video you want to download.
- Open the full screen view, then click […] and choose “Download video.”
- You can also download one or more live videos from your Page or profile’s Activity Log. To download your live videos, select “Your live videos,” then choose a date range to see videos available to download.”
Have multiple lives you want to save? Here’s how to bulk download videos, according to Meta:
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- “On your computer or device, tap the notification to enter into the download flow.
- Tap “Download live videos.”
- Decide the location (computer or device) to download to and the date range for the live videos. All live videos within the date range you selected will be saved.
- Tap “Create File.”
Not sure if you want to keep your videos, but don’t want them deleted? Here’s how to postpone the deletion, according to Meta:
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- “On your computer or device, tap the notification to enter into the download flow.
- Tap “Learn more.”
- Tap “postpone the deletion.”
- Tap “Postpone” to confirm.”
Instagram is not affected by this new policy.
Bottom line: if you have old live videos you want to save on Facebook, now is the time to do it before they’re gone forever. If you don’t care that they’re up for deletion, no action is needed!